Another Good Bye

Another full day at Mom's.  Too full.  A friend of Diane's came today for Meeko.  We're very glad that he'll have a nice home to go to and another cat to keep him company.  He's been alone for too long.  However, it was just another good bye.  I can't believe that I cried.  I don't even like cats.  Except Meeko.  He was a good companion for my mom.

The four of us and Di and Randie went out to dinner tonight.  That was nice.  Jess did well - until we got home and then she had a royal meltdown.  Cried and cried and cried.  She said she was sad, and I know it's because she knows she won't see Meeko anymore.  Too much change for her.  First Grandma goes to Heaven, then her house is being emptied and the room Jess claimed as her own is empty.  Now no more Meeko.  Too much change for someone who needs stability. 

I'm Back - Sort Of

I've been too sick to write anything, and to be honest, too sick to care.  Spent two days in bed and didn't do much today, either.  Bill's been feeling well.  The pain in his back is a little better.  I hope to be more wordy tomorrow night.

Yet Another Full Day

I won't bore you with details, but our day began in a doctor's office at 7:20 a.m. and we finally got home to stay at 6:00 p.m.  I don't think I would know how to act if I had absolutely no where to go or nothing to do.  I sure would like to find out, though.  Still coughing and feel terrible when I do, but other than that, I'm OK.  Bill's had a pretty good day, except for his fingertips/nails.  He'll probably lose them all and that makes for very sore hands!

Coughing

I'm so tired of coughing it's not funny.  My throat isn't right.  Not sore, just not good.  PLUS, each time I cough, (or anyone else for that matter) Jessie screams "NO!"  So, you can guess what kind of day we've had.  I've tried everything I can think of to get her to stop this reaction, but nothing has worked. 

Bill's been feeling so much better, except for the pain in his shoulder blade.  We're both going to the doctor's in the early morning. 

Easter

Unlike other Easters, this year it was very subdued for us.  Bill took his Mom to church and I stayed home with Jessie.  We watched church on tv.  Jon worked.  Diane went with Randie's family to dinner then to one of the girl's homes to watch the kids have fun with all their Easter candy and stuff.  This was our first Easter without Mom.  It just didn't seem right. 

Remembering some of the pictures I had gone through to display at the funeral, I found one of an Easter-gone-by.  It was taken in the backyard of our home on Mendota, in Detroit.

I'm grateful that Christ died on the cross for my (our) sins. I'm glad that He arose and is alive today!  Hallelujah!  I'm glad that my mom took us to church each Sunday and that I met Jesus 53 years ago and asked Him to be my Savior.

This Easter Mom may not be with us, but she is in the presence of Jesus!  What could be better?

An Emotional Day

Once again we were at Mom's all day.  Going through things we've never seen before and some we have.  Finding my mom's baby shoes and diaries from the early 40's.  A box of my dad's belongings from the Detroit Police Department ... buttons from his coat, holster, emblems.  Items that were brought over from England.  Items that were special to my mom and her family.  Items that Diane and I remember growing up. Articles that represent her life.  It prompts alot of emotions.  Besides losing my mom, this has been the hardest for me. 

A Gift of Relaxation

For those of you who noticed that I didn't post last night, everything's OK.  Bill and I were given a gift of money with the express wishes to go away over night and rest.  We chose last night because Jon didn't have to work yesterday or today.  Our time away was very restful.  We went to a couple stores, checked in at the Hampton Inn (not even 10 minutes from home, but who cares?) and I went in the whirlpool.  We went to Mr. B's for dinner then returned to the Inn to play several games of Banana Grams.  I finished a book and started another one.  I have not been able to read in months, and that was very nice.  Bill also started a book, "Heaven Is For Real".  In all, it was a great time away to be together and rest.  Thank you!

A Little Break From It All

This morning I made a couple important phone calls, straightened up the house then left to have lunch with Bill, Jon and Lois at Red Lobster.  Jon always said that with his first full pay check at his new job he would treat us to dinner, and he did!  We had a very nice lunch, then we went to MJR and saw "Rio".  Cute.  Very colorful and funny.  It was nice for me just to put my head back, relax and be entertained for awhile.

Got home about 4:00 and spent the next couple of hours putting away my snowmen and a few straggling Christmas ornaments.  The room they were taking up in our bedroom must go to the HUNDREDS of boxes we've brought home from Mom's.  Well, maybe not a hundred, but close. 

Bill's been having quite a bit of pain in the past several days in his back and around to his chest.  We think it's a pulled muscle, but not sure.  The doctor didn't seem to think it was anything important.  It might be his gallbladder, too.  Please pray that the pain will go away soon.

Is It Only Tuesday?

We have done so much in two days, that it seems like a week has gone by.  Spent about 8 hours at Mom's today after an annual meeting regarding Jessie.  Took 4 loads of our laundry to do there since nothing is getting done at our house.  Brought back what seems like a hundred boxes filled with papers, cards, files, more papers, and definitely more cards.  My mom saved every card she ever got in her entire 88 years!  I have got to find a spot for all this stuff in my house.  Not sure where it's going, but I do know I'm not looking for that spot tonight.  I'm pooped!

REMISSION !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm posting early today because we have good news.  Bill's cancer is in REMISSION.  We praise God for this excellent report.  Next step is another scope test on the esophogus, then a doctor's appointment in 1 month to see how he's doing.  He's done with chemo for now, for which he is very greatful. 

A Longer Post

Bill said that my post last night was way too short and I had to write a longer one.  So, I'll try.  After all, I always do what my husband tells me to do, don't I dear? 

Jon went to Sunday School then we met in the parking lot and Bill and I went to church and Jon brought Jessie home.  The service was great. 

Lois came to dinner after church to celebrate her birthday, which is tomorrow.  Being as tired as I was yesterday, I didn't plan anything special.  Just had Mama Rosa's frozen individual pizzas and a salad.  Played a couple games and had snacks. 

Bill's doctor's appointment is 2:30 tomorrow afternoon.  Let's praise Jesus for what He has done in Bill's life so far, and what He's going to do for Him in the future.  We continue to trust God in all things.

Tired People

All I can say

about today

is that

everyone

is tired. 

Very

tired. 

A Pampered Afternoon

Today I was blessed by my very best friend to brunch, then a pedicure, and a manicure from another friend.  During the time I was there, I took 3 short naps.  My feet and hands feel so nice.  Wish I could say that I wasn't so tired now after 3 naps, but I'm not.  I'm tired of being tired.  Gotta do something about this.

Reliving The Past

One of the things I've enjoyed about going through my mom's papers is the old letters I sent her while in Liberia, West Africa.  I went as a Special Short Term Missionary in October - November, 1980.  I used my secretarial skills and worked at ELWA's Radio Station and Hospital. 

Reading them brought back memories long forgotten, as well as "I don't remember that!"  Speaking of remembering, do you recognize the typewriter?  When you got to the end of the line, you had to manually take the platen to the next line!  Glasses were a tad bit big then, too.  I really liked my hair.  I used to have it permed but at the end of my time at ELWA, I was know as "Missy With Plenty Hair!" 

Bill is finally having days without nausea.  He's had more stamina, too, which is good.  We're all hoping for a good report on Monday.

Family Day

Jon made it through his 4, 12 1/2 hour days and had today off.  Jessie's Shannon couldn't be with her today, so Jess was with us all day.  The four of us went out to lunch, which we rarely do.  Jess did well and it was a nice time.  From there we spent 9 hours at my Mom's working.  So, it was kinda like a family day.  We WERE all together.  Di and Randie came later, too.  Everyone's tired. 

PET Scan - Done

Bill's second PET scan was completed this morning.  Now we just have to wait until next Monday for the results.  I hate waiting.  So does Bill.

Even though Bill had his test, we had a nice day out.  Went to a couple stores, Wendy's for lunch, then Mom's to feed Meeko.  Home to do paperwork.  Cream tuna on toast for dinner.  Exciting.

Another Week

Today began another work week.  Jon's 3rd day of a 4 day stretch.  Jess and I had girls day lunch out and included Dad.  We worked at Mom's and I did paperwork in the afternoon.  Jess had speech.  Bill had his special PET scan dinner tonight for tomorrow's test.  That's about it.

Swingin'

We went swingin' today.  Jess in her hammock swing and Bill and I in our two seater.  What a nice day.  However, tonight it's so hot upstairs we have to have the airconditioning on.  Also took off the flannel sheets tonight.  That would have been a bit much. 

Although not feeling well, Bill went to first church service, came home and I went to second service.  Today was Jon's 2nd. day out of 4 straight 12 1/2 hour days.  Half done!

Jessie's Tears

Today we went to Grandma's house to work.  Jess ran in the door and yelled, "Momma!" (her word for Grandma), and ran to her bedroom.  It broke my heart when she looked in her room and saw the empty hospital bed.  She turned to me and said, "Momma back!"  Today she finally realized that Momma was not coming back.  We both sat in the office and cried for quite some time.  Jessie loved her Momma, that's for sure.  (This picture was taken in 2007.  It is my favorite of Jess and Mom.)

A Too Busy Friday

Jess and Shannon had breakfast out then did academics and art.  Bill had a day all to himself and went to several stores and then out to lunch.  Jon and I went to my sister's and spent all day working on thank you notes and so much more in regards to my mom's passing.  Lots and lots of stuff to do.  Too much.

Each day I get up tired.  I go to bed tired.  My brain is tired.  My body is tired.  I'm just plain tired and don't want to do anything.  Guess that's part of grief.  There's so much going on in my life right now, I just want to crawl in a hole and not come out for awhile.  I'm sure this is all normal, I just don't like it. 

A Great Day For Bill

I was amazed that Bill had enough stamina to do a little raking today.  He was, too!  It felt so good to him to be able to do a little manual labor.  Then I dragged him around this afternoon to various places.  We were both wiped out when we got home.

It's been a weepy day for me.  No special reason.  I'm also in alot of pain tonight with my joints.  Pain makes emotions worse, too.  Oh, well.  Tomorrow is another day.  Off to bed early.

And Life Goes On

Diane's back to work, Randie's watching the grandkids, Bill's doing the wash, Jon's at work, Jessie's doing what Jessie does, and I'm doing paperwork.  After concentrating on my mom's care and funeral for the past 3 weeks, there is much catching up to do.  And life goes on. 

Please continue to pray for Bill, as he hasn't been feeling well these past several days.  Very tired and just plain not right.  Some pain, too.  And life goes on.

Many people have asked how Jessie is coping with Grandma's death.  She fluctuates between being very angry, mad and giggly. I know that she is unable to communicate her sadness.  She was very close to my Mom, and I know she misses her.  She has a list of people that are in Heaven that she usually recites daily:  Ed (my brother), Larry (Bill's cousin), Jake (our dog), and now Grandma.  And life goes on.

Meeko

Meeko needs a new home!  Can you help?  Meeko is a 5-year old domestic short hair.  He's approximately 14 pounds, neutered and has all his nails.  He loves to get groomed, especially a nice face scratch and is at ease for nail trimming. 

Meeko loves to watch birds from his indoor perch, as he has never ventured out of the house.  He's very sweet but shy.  He would do best in a quiet home with adults or older, quiet children.  He's very lonely and needs a companion.

If interested, please contact me. 

A Final Good Bye ... Sort Of

In Celebration of the Life of

Hilda Jonas (1923 - 2011)

Monday, April 4, 2011

11:00 a.m.

Prelude

Processional with casket to front

(Pallbearers: Diane, Bill, Jon, Gerry, Curt and Chad)

Special Music by family friend, Laura

"Wonderful Peace"

Historical Biography/Eulogy

Congregational Hymn

"Must Jesus Bear The Cross Alone"

Message - Pastor Garry

Based on Psalm 46

Special Music by Laura

"It Is Well With My Soul"

Closing Prayer

Postlude Music and

Processional with casket to hearse

Watching as the hearse leaves the church

and goes to the cemetery for burial

Luncheon provided by

church family

Family and friends gather at cemetery for

prayer and final goodbye ...

Sort of ...

As Christians, we NEVER say good bye ...

See you later, Mom!

I miss you already!

A Very Fast Day

Despite very bad weather, many people came to the Funeral Home for Mom.  I know she would have been very pleased with the way everything turned out today.  Right now I really can't think clearly to write more.  I'll try more tomorrow.

Preparations

Today has been another day of preparations for Mom's funeral.  Even though we had gone to the funeral home prior to her death to make arrangements, there still has been alot to do.  I think everything has been done.  If not, oh, well.  Mom would understand.  I think she would be really pleased with the pictures we've chosen to display at the funeral home. 

I am very grateful for the many friends who stopped over today and dropped off food.  Not having to cook tonight was wonderful.  Where would we be without friends?

I'm Not Responsible For What I Do Or Say

Why?  Because my brain is fried, I think.  On yesterday's post I forgot to put that my mom was also a GRANDMOTHER.  Now, how could I forget that?  I'd go back into yesterday's post and fix it if I had the tolerance tonight to sit and figure it out.  I don't.

Just wanted you to know that I may not be posting for the next couple of days.  Just trying to finalize everything for the funeral home and funeral is leaving me scattered.  So, if you don't see anything from me, don't worry.  Yet.